Summary

JOB SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Provincial Director, Operations and Planning, Foundry and working collaboratively and in alignment with PHC Communications & Public Affairs, the Lead, Communications is accountable for overseeing communications, brand identity, and marketing efforts for Foundry and for creating and executing the organization's overall communications and marketing strategy. The position leads the Foundry communications team and all internal and external communication activities for the organization. Working with provincial, national and international partner groups and other key stakeholders, the Lead, Communications: raises public awareness and support for Foundry; achieves its health promotion goals; and sustains partner support through proactive media relations, advertising and development of targeted communications and marketing materials.

This position manages Foundry's brands and positioning within the service delivery landscape provincially, nationally and internationally, and is responsible for the roll-out of new brands and programs as well as the organization's digital communications strategy. The Lead, Communications plans and coordinates provincial and local communications and special events, liaises with special interest groups, supports government and stakeholder relations, promotes and builds support for fundraising initiatives, identifies and promotes current methods of service delivery, and promotes and builds support for the regional and local programs as well as for Integrated Youth Services nationally and internationally. The position is also responsible for developing consistent delivery of key messages to the public and for organizing, prioritizing and coordinating responses to public inquiries.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

Master's Degree in Communication, Public Relations or a degree in a relevant discipline plus a minimum of seven (7) years of corporate communications experience in a large multi-site setting preferably with experience working with the public health/health care community or an equivalent combination of education, training, professional accreditation and experience. Training in Indigenous cultural safety and/or related to equity, diversity and inclusivity a robust asset.

Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the principles of communications and marketing.

Knowledge of digital and social marketing as applied to health care.

Knowledge of legislative policy development and processes of various levels of government.

Strong skills in media relations and issues management.

Demonstrated leadership and managerial skills.

Demonstrated ability to create, execute and evaluate strategic communication plans. Demonstrated understanding of the essence and subtleties of communication in order that exchanges are understood at all levels within a complex internal and external network.

Ability to respond to the needs of stakeholders supported by an acute awareness of the impact of actions.

Demonstrated ability to problem-solve with a global perspective in order to incorporate the organization's systems and strategies when developing viable solutions to problems.





Demonstrated ability to establish courses of action for self and others that are results oriented.

Demonstrated commitment to the value of continuous learning.

Demonstrated ability to operate related equipment including standard desktop software, Internet tools, etc.

Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

Leads internal and external communications activities aimed at building public awareness, marketing services, informing and supporting clients, enhancing community and partner engagement, supporting government relations, and promoting a positive profile of the Foundry provincially, nationally and internationally.

Establishes strong relationships with stakeholders and provincial partners and facilitates the ongoing exchange of information to ensure stakeholders' issues and interests are understood, and that stakeholders understand projects, goals and objectives of Foundry.

Contributes to and/or leads the development of strategic communication plans for the organization including the Foundry identity and digital communications strategies, as well as regional centre communications plans. Leads the implementation and ongoing evaluation of the plans throughout the province and at the local level in collaboration with key stakeholders and partner groups.

Establishes communication goals and objectives and key messages, tools and tactics taking into consideration targeted audiences. Uses effective communication channels and consistent message delivery to all audiences.

Works with consultants and applicable stakeholders to research and develop the Foundry brand strategy, including key messages, positioning etc.; creating a visual identity and brand systems; and reviewing and recommending approval of proposals. Manages the brands of the Foundry and is responsible for roll-out of the brands. Ensures that branding guidelines are followed.

Participates in the ongoing development, review, approval, roll out and evaluation of Foundry's digital communications strategy.

Works in close partnership with Foundry's Lead, Experience and Engagement, as well as with Foundry's Leader, Service Implementation and Integration, to ensure young people and families/ caregivers from across BC, as well as Foundry's network of centres and provincial virtual service teams, guide and participate in Foundry's communications strategies and activities.

Works in close partnership with Foundry's Director, Indigenous Wellness, Equity and Leadership, to ensure Foundry's communications strategies and activities embody principles of cultural safety, justice, diversity, equity and inclusivity.

In partnership with the public health team at BC Children's Hospital and Foundry leadership, leads the cross-functional, matrixed staff team responsible for Foundry's communications, engagement, corporate and organizational partnerships, advocacy, and brand.



Chairs committee and supports the decision making on work plans for website and content development related to health literacy and health promotion and social media strategies.

Recommends and provides specific direction on the development of communication tactics to raise the organization's public profile and/or communicate key organizational initiatives through methods such as new releases, press conferences, government/stakeholder correspondence, public relations campaigns, media toolkits and other proactive media outreach opportunities.

Leads the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of promotional and marketing activities including the preparation of creative and innovative marketing and promotional materials and coordination of special events including media events and fundraisers. Acts as an escort for media, sponsors or other officials during special events.

Reviews, contributes to preparation, and negotiates required advertising with applicable vendors/contractors.

Drives initiatives on behalf of the Executive Director, Provincial Director(s) and other Foundry Leaders as well as convenes and coordinates projects and initiatives with regional and provincial committees.

Prepares briefing documents, talking points, and presentation materials to support communication requirements of Foundry leaders. Responds to public inquiries and manages issues in support of the organization.

Develops the communications budget, monitors expenditures, and ensures communication services are cost effective.

Identifies issues that may impede the goals and objectives of Foundry. Works to remove barriers that hamper communications by initiating appropriate strategies, in particular ensuring effective linkages between sites, committee members and key partners.

Leads or participates in corporate initiatives and projects related to communication, strategic partnerships and community engagement by defining project scope, developing project plans, supporting the work of project team members, overseeing project implementation and evaluating results.

Leads or participates in working groups, committees and meetings where sensitive information must be delivered to the public. Works in conjunction with Leaders across the organizations to ensure consistent delivery of key messages to all audiences. Provides communication expertise and resources, tables issues for discussion, participates in decision-making, and takes follow up action.

Leads and supports the development of tools and systems to streamline the delivery of communications and related processes.

Maintains an awareness of new developments and trends in health education/promotion and community relations through literature review, contact with peers at other organizations, industry advisor groups, professional associations and attendance at seminars, workshops and education programs.

Performs other related duties as required.

Job Accuracy Posting Flag

The hours of work, including start and stop times, days off, work area and work site may be subject to change consistent with operations requirements and applicable provisions of the Collective Agreement and statutes. Testing may be required. *A criminal record check may be required

📌 Lead, Communications Foundry (Vancouver)
🏢 Providence Health Care
📍 Vancouver